From the incredible fundraising efforts of Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, to a kindhearted chef, community champions and a YouTube star spreading joy through food – these individuals have gone above and beyond for others.
Here’s why they are making Leeds proud.
7. Danny Malin
Former butcher Danny Malin has become renowned around the world for his Rate My Takeaway YouTube series and funny social media videos. The dad-of-four loves nothing more than making people smile - and he is also an ambassador for a range of mental health charities, supports up-and-coming northern stars of the community and funds a range of community organisations. Photo: Simon Hulme
8. Angela Gabriel
Community champion Angela Gabriel received a BEM in the King's New Year's Honours list. The big-hearted Leeds woman championed the communities of Beeston and Holbeck as councillor for more than two decades and dedicated those years to supporting local community groups and voluntary organisations. She also helped to save Leeds United pub The Drysalters from closure in 2020. Photo: Tony Johnson
9. Ripaljeet Kaur
For the last decade, Ripaljeet Kaur (pictured centre) has dedicated her life to supporting people in Leeds who have been diagnosed with dementia. She is the coordinator of the Touchstone BME Dementia Service, which cares for people with the condition from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. The service strives to ensure people are comfortable and can understand what is going on around them as much as possible. Photo: Touchstone BME Dementia Service
10. Mike Bates
Roundhay dad Mike Bates completed a 3,000-mile solo row across the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity, giving back to staff at Leeds Children’s Hospital who saved his son's life. The 42-year-old nearly lost his son Gabe on numerous occasions after he was born prematurely and later contracted meningitis. His gruelling row has raised more than £170,000 for the charity - which praised him for going "above and beyond". Photo: Atlantic Campaigns
11. James Baker
James Baker, who works in Leeds, has completed six aid trips to Ukraine in the last few months, transporting 46 refugees and nine dogs to safety in the UK, and taking around £10,000 worth of food and medical supplies to Ukrainians. Making the trips alongside his close friend Mike Harding, the pair have raised £10,000 towards their work - as well as funding much of the trips themselves. Photo: James Baker and Mike Harding
12. Litter Free Leeds
And finally, a special mention goes to the kind-hearted volunteers behind Litter Free Leeds who collect tonnes of rubbish from the streets of the city every year. The pandemic was the catalyst for a huge rise in volunteer numbers, with more than 4,500 people now helping out to keep roads, pavements, parks and green spaces clean and litter free. Litter Free Leeds brings communities, groups and individuals together to be good role models of what can be achieved when people work together. Photo: Litter Free Leeds